Website Design: The Guwahati
The Assam government’s recent decision to issue arms licences to indigenous people living in vulnerable and remote international border areas has triggered strong political reactions. While Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma defended the move, opposition leaders from the Congress and Trinamool Congress (TMC) sharply criticised the policy.
Speaking at a press conference, CM Sarma said the decision was taken after careful consideration to ensure the safety of indigenous communities living near international borders. “The Constitution of India gives every citizen the right to live in border areas,” he stated. “When we say border areas, we mean areas near international borders, not state borders like Arunachal Pradesh or Meghalaya.”
Sarma added that the government had reflected deeply before introducing this policy. “This is not a random or emotional decision. It is a practical step to protect our citizens in sensitive locations,” he said. He also dismissed the Congress party’s objections, saying, “The Congress never supported us. Their criticism doesn’t carry much weight.”
However, Congress leader and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Gaurav Gogoi strongly opposed the move. “This is a completely wrong policy. The people of Assam need jobs, not guns,” Gogoi said. He added that the decision could lead to harassment of local businessmen and shopkeepers.
TMC MP Sushmita Dev also criticised the policy, questioning the state’s ability to maintain law and order. “If the Assam Police and Border Security Force cannot protect people, then the Chief Minister and Home Minister have failed,” she said at a press meet at the TMC state office in Guwahati.
Dev further raised concerns about the potential misuse of licensed weapons. “Once someone gets a gun, how will the Chief Minister or Home Minister ensure it is used properly?” she asked.
The state cabinet’s decision has opened a major debate on public safety, governance, and the rights of indigenous people in border regions. While the government says the move is meant to empower and protect border communities, the opposition fears it may lead to more problems than solutions.
As discussions continue, all eyes are on how the policy will be implemented and whether it will genuinely help the people it is meant to protect.